Crusader Yachts Tartan C&C Factory Tour

Here is the CYS staff visiting the boat building facility @ Tartan C&C; we are located in the laminating facility (think sausage making!) which is in contrast to a second facility four miles away where the boats are assembled and painted in a hi-tech paint booth.

Pictured 4th  from right is the new owner Steve Malbasa with CYS President Nancy Cann

Tartan C&C Yachts Factory Visit

I am just back from a meeting with the new ownership of Tartan C&C Yachts in Painesville, Ohio. We had a very in depth tour of the manufacturing process and met with key players there in the design and build process. Most importantly we were able to hear first hand the plans to move the company forward in it's 50th year.
The C&C 115 (Azurra Blue) will be shown next week at the Newport Boat Show and then shipped to Italy to it's new owner.

We look forward to displaying four new boats here in Annapolis in October!

Tartan C&C Yachts (excitement)

We recently met with Tim Jackett and Steve Malbasa, (new owners of Tartan) and have been appointed to serve as their Mid-Atlantic Dealer. To the North of us will be East Coast Yacht Sales headquartered in Maine. Steve spoke with eloquence about his vision for the company and that he will promote the "client first" culture to insure that owning a Tartan is rewarding to the sailor. I am excited about this new opportunity and being associated with Tartan's fifty year legacy, especially having sailed on the boats back into the 1970's and also having designed sails for the boats in the 1980's. We will start with a factory tour next week just east of Cleveland. Prospective buyers are welcome at the factory and also an adjacent showroom facility where the boats will be displayed w/ climate control to allow for winter visits!

Lyman-Morse 38 "Lyra" Downeast "Real Deal"

Last week I traveled East of New York City to visit a boat that I sold about five years ago. This boat built in Maine by Cabot Lyman on a 38' Young Brothers Hull has always been a favorite. It was a pleasure to catch up with the owners who are offering her for sale this Fall after having completed the "Loop" with the boat.

We took a nice ride out of Shinicock Inlet (stay away in rough weather!) and I had the chance to drive the boat in a swell on the Atlantic and then shoot into the inlet on a following sea. "Lyra" is a remarkable yacht!

Sale of "Helena" Beneteau 50

I recently completed the sale of a nice cruising boat to repeat clients John and Debra Barrows of Annapolis. After giving consideration to Trawlers as a "next boat", they settled on the "Owners Version" of a lovely 50' Beneteau Model Year 2000. We have known this boat since it was sold new here in Annapolis and the past owners have enjoyed use of the boat from New England to the British Virgins.

After some new canvass and tweaking of the boats systems, the Barrows plan to head South in November, as they did last year in their previous boat which we sold for them this spring. They look forward to being aboard full time for several months and having the benefit of a Furling Mainsail, Diesel Generator, Heat/Air, and a bow thruster, to name a few!

Helena, now named "Mandalay", was on the hard in Galesville during the survey and sea trial process. Many thanks are due to Charlie Duvall at West River Yacht Harbor for getting after a punch list that included reconditioning of the feathering Max-Prop, a replacement prop-shaft, and a serious compounding, buff, and wax job that restored the boats dark blue gel-coat.

Here's hoping that the Barrows enjoy smooth sailing with their new yacht!

Bristol Channel Cutter is sold to longtime clients

"Longsparrow" 3 sail reaching in 12 knots of breeze

I recently completed the sale of an extremely really nice Bristol Channel Cutter to long time clients David and Ellen Dawson of Haverford,Pa. I was also working on behalf of the sellers, Bob and Lois Plank who like the Dawson's have owned a series of cruising sailboats over the years. I owe thanks to both parties for their confidence and long term support (totaling eight transactions)

"Longsparrow" was surveyed by Kelsey/Turner Associates of Annapolis, and was proven very sound, and sold at her contract price. I am encouraged to see that the Buyers were able to bring a "lender" to the table for such a unique boat built in 1984. Hopefully this points to a thawing out in the credit world!

On sea trials we pushed the new Yanmardiesel harder than the seller was accustomed as is usually the case in ascertaining if the cooling system is up to snuff. No problems even with 83 degree water! We were however limited to sailing in about five knots of breeze. Fortunately the sailing characteristics of these Cutters are well documented over the years by their owners who have sailed them offshore extensively.

The Dawson's are starting ownership with a three week shakedown cruise, with plans to voyage further afield now that there children are grown. I wish the Dawson's Fair Winds and look forward to working with the Planks towards the purchase of their next Cutter!

M. Scott Taylor-CPYB

"Niche" Lyman-Morse 40' Sloop for Offshore and Thin Water!

I am excited to see one of my favorite sailing yachts come back on the market. Her hull and deck were built on a custom basis by Cabot Lyman in Thomasten, Me. and them completed by David Crane at the Todd Boatworks in Oxford, Maryland to a Craig Walters design. Craig pulled on a design philosophy melding offshore performance with significant shoal draft by means of a centerboard and retractable rudder.

Part of my recall of Niche is that of sailing upwind in 18 to 20 knots with the owner/builder sailing the boat using only a trim-tab on the trailing edge of the rudder.

Niche is a remarkable boat and can be seen on jack stands in a covered building on the Maine Coast.